Choosing the right international school in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming. If you are a parent considering an English Schools Foundation (ESF) school for your child, this guide is for you. We cover ESF’s structure and campuses, curriculum (IGCSE and IB across its secondary schools), fees and costs, admissions process, what to look for when visiting, and practical next steps—so you can decide which ESF school is the right fit and how to prepare.

About English Schools Foundation (ESF) Hong Kong

English Schools Foundation (ESF) is one of Hong Kong’s largest providers of international education, running multiple primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. ESF secondary schools include King George V School (KGV), Island School, South Island School, West Island School, Sha Tin College, Discovery College, Renaissance College, and others. Each campus has its own character and location, but all follow a consistent curriculum framework and share ESF’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and community. ESF has a long history in Hong Kong and is known for strong academic outcomes, a broad subject choice, and fees that are often lower than many other international schools in the city—though still substantial.

ESF schools typically offer IGCSE (Cambridge or Edexcel) and IB Diploma in the senior years. The foundation emphasises student-centred learning, pastoral care, and preparation for university in the UK, Hong Kong, and beyond. Parents often cite the range of campuses (so families can choose by location), the clarity of the IGCSE-to-IB pathway, and the strength of the ESF network as key reasons for choosing an ESF school. The foundation welcomes families of many nationalities and backgrounds and supports students who need EAL (English as an Additional Language) or learning support.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for parents who are researching ESF schools, comparing campuses, or looking for detailed information on curriculum, fees, admissions, and what to expect. Whether your child is entering primary or secondary, or you are considering a move to Hong Kong, you will find here a structured overview and practical checklists to support your decision.

Curriculum and Programmes

ESF primary schools follow a broad, inquiry-based curriculum that prepares students for the secondary years. ESF secondary schools typically offer IGCSE (Cambridge or Edexcel—confirm the exam board for your chosen campus on the ESF website) in the middle secondary years, followed by the IB Diploma Programme in the final two years. Subject choice is wide: sciences, mathematics, humanities, languages, and the arts are all well represented. Each school may offer slightly different subject combinations or language options, so it is important to check the specific campus website or attend an open day.

The IB Diploma requires students to choose six subjects (typically three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level), complete Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). ESF schools have extensive experience delivering the IB and support students in choosing HL/SL combinations that suit their interests and university goals. If your child needs extra support in specific IGCSE or IB subjects, Internal Assessments (IA), or exam technique, one-to-one tutoring aligned with the curriculum can supplement school work effectively.

Location and Facilities

ESF has campuses across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. King George V School is in Kowloon; Island School and South Island School are on Hong Kong Island; Sha Tin College is in the New Territories; Discovery College is in Discovery Bay; Renaissance College is in Ma On Shan—and there are others. Location and commute vary significantly by campus: some families choose an ESF school specifically because one of the campuses is close to home or on a convenient school-bus route. Facilities typically include well-stocked libraries, science laboratories, IT suites, sports halls, swimming pools, and dedicated spaces for music, drama, and art. Check the ESF website for the address of your preferred campus and visit if possible.

Fees and Costs: What Parents Should Budget

ESF fees are typically lower than many other international schools in Hong Kong but still substantial—often in the range HKD 120,000–180,000+ per year depending on year level and campus (indicative; always confirm on the ESF website). Fees usually cover tuition, most materials, and access to standard facilities. Additional costs that parents should budget for include:

• Application and assessment fees (non-refundable)
• Capital levy or debenture (if applicable—check current ESF policy)
• Uniform, PE kit, and optional materials
• Transport (school bus or public transport—routes vary by campus)
• Optional activities (trips, after-school clubs, exam fees)

Planning for these extras helps avoid surprises. Families who want to supplement school with targeted tutoring (e.g. for IGCSE or IB subjects) can do so with flexible, one-to-one sessions that fit around the ESF timetable.

Admissions Process and Timeline

ESF has a centralised or school-based admissions process—check the ESF website for the current procedure, as it can change. Typical steps (confirm with ESF):

1. Application – Complete the online application form and pay the application fee. You may need to indicate preferred campus(es) or the system may assign based on catchment.
2. Supporting documents – Previous school reports (often the last two years), passport/ID, and any relevant learning or medical information.
3. Assessment – Age-appropriate assessments (e.g. English, maths, reasoning). Format and length vary by year group and sometimes by campus.
4. Interview – Student and/or family interview. The school uses this to understand your child’s interests, strengths, and fit with the community.
5. Offer and acceptance – If successful, you will receive an offer, often with a deadline to accept and pay a deposit. Note that placement may be to a specific campus.

Apply well in advance; places can be limited, especially in popular year groups and campuses. Preparing for entrance assessments (e.g. maths and English at the right level) can help your child feel confident on the day.

What to Look for When Visiting an ESF School

When you visit an ESF campus, use the following as a checklist so you leave with a clear picture:

Factor	What to check
Curriculum	IGCSE and IB—subject choice and HL/SL options for your child’s year at this campus.
Language	Language of instruction and additional language options (e.g. Mandarin, EAL).
Class size	Typical class size for your child’s year and student–teacher ratio.
Support	EAL, learning support, and pastoral care—how they are delivered and who to contact.
Location	Commute time, school bus routes, and transport options from your home.
Fees	Total cost per year for this campus including levies and typical extras.
Culture	Fit with your family’s values, your child’s personality, and the overall feel of this campus.

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Pros: ESF offers a wide choice of campuses, a clear IGCSE-to-IB pathway, strong academic outcomes, and fees that are often lower than many other international schools in Hong Kong. The foundation has a long history and a large, diverse community. Cons: Admissions can be competitive, and placement may be to a campus that is not your first choice. The fixed timetable means families who need extra support in specific subjects or exam prep often use external tutoring to supplement. Considering both sides helps you decide if an ESF school is the right fit and what additional support, if any, your child might need.

How Tutopiya Fits In

If your child needs extra help with IGCSE or IB subjects, Internal Assessments (IA), or exam technique, one-to-one tuition can supplement any ESF school without changing school. Flexible scheduling and online sessions mean no extra commute, and continuity if you relocate. Book a free trial or explore Tutopiya’s learning portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Parents

Q: Which ESF school should we choose?
A: Consider location (commute, school bus), year-group availability, and campus culture. Visit if possible and check the ESF website for catchment or placement rules.

Q: Does ESF offer IGCSE and IB at all secondary schools?
A: ESF secondary schools typically offer IGCSE and IB Diploma. Confirm subject choice and exam board for your chosen campus on the ESF website.

Q: How do we prepare for ESF entrance tests?
A: Tutoring can help with maths and English at the right level for the school’s entrance format. Check with ESF for the exact format and content.

Q: Can our child continue learning if we relocate?
A: Yes. Online one-to-one tuition allows your child to continue with the same tutor from anywhere.

Key Takeaways

ESF runs multiple primary and secondary schools across Hong Kong, offering IGCSE and IB. Fees are often lower than many other international schools in Hong Kong; budget for application fees, levies, uniform, and transport. Admissions are centralised or school-based—apply early and check which campus fits your location. Visiting your preferred campus and confirming curriculum and fees for your child’s year will help you decide if an ESF school is the right fit. If your child needs extra support in IGCSE or IB, one-to-one tutoring can supplement the school timetable flexibly.

Next Steps for Parents

1. Visit the ESF website and identify which primary or secondary campus(es) fit your location and preferences.
2. Attend an open day or schedule a campus tour if possible.
3. Confirm curriculum (IGCSE, IB) and total fees for your child’s year at your preferred campus.
4. Apply in good time—check the ESF website for application windows and prepare your child for assessments.
5. If you need extra support (e.g. entrance-test preparation or IGCSE/IB tutoring), consider one-to-one tuition that fits around the school timetable. Book a free trial to see how it fits your family.